Testimonials

FLORENCE Experience

Discover what life in Florence is like as a student abroad. Your life beyond the classroom is an important experience as well and there is no better place than Florence to discover new friends, faces, places, and tastes! ISI Florence organizes many extra-curricular activities to help you on your discovery of this exciting town.

Academic Programs

General Studies

The General Studies program is open to all students and allows formaximum flexibility when choosing courses at the Institute. Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 17 credits per semester and include one course in Italian language.

Academic Programs

Florentia Scholars Program

This Program is defined by enriched coursework and field experiences, enhanced cultural immersion, and collaboration with other motivated students. While completing your own research project, you will also be able to spend the semester immersed in Italian culture.

Academic Programs

Advanced Architecture

The Institute runs two architecture program tracks. Thanks to the high caliber of its faculty and the Institute’s partnership with the Università degli Studi di Firenze, the programs offer a unique opportunity to work on actual architectural projects in Florence and nearby towns in Tuscany in diverse and stimulating historic urban contexts.

Meet our faculty! At ISI Florence classes are taught by international faculty members with a demonstrated passion for their subject. Our professors are devoted to challenging students in all aspects of their study abroad experience, aiming to foster a new understanding of international travel, cultural integration, and personal growth.

Federico Damonte

Ph.D., University of Padua

Tiziano Lucchesi

M.F.A., Academy of Fine…

Alessandro Masetti

M.A., University of Florence

Pierluca Birindelli

Ph.D., University of Florence

Carolina Megale

Ph.D., University of Florence

Erika Bianchi

Ph.D., University of Florence

Clive Woollard

M.B.A., Aston University, UK

Simone Testa

Ph.D, Royal Holloway University…

David Marini

Laurea, University of Florence

Francesca Passeri

Ph.D., University of Florence

Francesca Marini

Ph.D., University of Florence

Serena Baldini

Laurea, University of Florence

Catia Santi

Laurea, University of Florence

Gloria Marco Munuera

Ph.D., RMIT University, Melbourne

Daniela Sinicropi

Ph.D., University of Florence

Peter Fischer

Ph.D., European University Institute

Carlo Achilli

Laurea, University of Rome

Franco Pisani

Laurea, University of Florence

Rita Comanducci

Ph.D., Università di Verona

Michael Kwakkelstein

Ph.D., University of Leiden,…

Federica di Sarcina

Ph.D., University of Pavia

Carlo Lorini

Laurea, University of Florence

Emanuela Agostini

Ph.D., University of Florence

Mark Bernheim

Ph.D., Rutgers University

Stefano Corazzini

M.A. University of Florence

Silvia Catitti

Ph.D., University of Rome

Federico Damonte

Ph.D., University of Padua

Courses taught at the Institute

Identity and Culture in Italy: A Comparative Approach

Credentials

2004 Ph.D in Linguistics, University of Padua
1998 BA and Masters Degree: Summa cum laude, Modern languages (English and Dutch), University of Padua

Relevant Projects / Publications

– 2011 – 2012 Wissenschaftlicher mitarbeiter: Goethe-Universität Fankfurt am Main, Institut für Romanische Sprachen und Literaturen
– 2009 – 2011 Marie Curie Research Fellow: University of Cambridge, Department of Italian. Title of the project: Dialectal variation and the definition of finiteness: finite and non-finite dependent clauses in two dialect clusters
– 2007 – 2009 Research Fellow, University of Padua, Department of Linguistics, Title of the project: Interface between morphology and other components of language
– 2004 – 2006 Research Fellow, University of Padua, Department of Linguistics, Title of research project: Verbal classes and complementation
– 1999 – 2012 Collaborator, Centro Nazionale delle Ricerche [CNR] – Istituto Scienze e Tecnologie della Cognizione [ISTC], Padua, Title of the project: Syntactic Atlas of the Dialects of Italy

Teaching Philosophy

I learned most of what I know from teachers whose jobs were their passions. They thought the issues they investigated were relevant and fascinating, and always questioned whether we had the right intellectual tools to tackle them. They did not “teach” as much as tried to make you see for yourself the complexity under the simple surface, and the best way to account for it. I try to apply the same “method” in my own teaching, I try to focus on issues I think are relevant for my students, and make them feel comfortable about expressing their opinions. I am convinced that in the humanities some very useful and general principles can be accurately learned even from exposure to few and limited facts, if the teacher is able to extrapolate from them experiences, beliefs and attitudes familiar to all.

Most Rewarding Moments

When students show they can connect their own personal experience and ideas to the notions and events discussed in class.

Favorite Quote

“Learn from the mistakes of others, you can never live long enough to make them all yourself” – Groucho Marx

ARTISTIC SKILLS AND COMPETENCES

In-depth knowledge of ancient wall painting techniques and organic supports, as described in the best-known art manuscripts. Teaching since 2003 at Florence-based institutions (see Work Experience section of CV)
• Wall paintings restorer since 2000 with participation in interventions of particular historic and artistic interest (again, see Work Experience). Since 1995 independent realization of more than 100 murals in fresco and dry, commissioned by both public and private clients, for a total extension of about 2000 square meters, including: the outdoor structure of a medieval monastery, a town hall, some facades in historic centres, and numerous interiors of villas, hotels, and cafes.
• My own painting also relies on the use of mineral materials suitable for fresco technique, adopting methods and recipes both ancient and contemporary. This allows me to promote a pictorial-figurative as well as technical-material kind of art that I have displayed in many exhibitions and public events. Personal exhibitions in 2005, 2006, 2007 (a catalog of my works came out in 2008).
• Among the painting techniques I use are fresco, fresh dry, paint whitewash, encaustic, graffiti on mortar (both ancient and modern), trompe l’oeil, grotesque, ambient decorations , false walking surfaces with mortar, egg, glue, wax, wax cold, wax – resins, “tempera grassa”, oil, oleo-resins, casein, mosaic, fake marble in plaster, fake marble in soap

RESTORATION

2016 Director of Restoration: Palazzo del Gianbologna – Florence – Restoration of a nineteenth-century painting, and XVI sec. (Borgo Pinti, Santa Croce Florence)2015 Director of Restoration: Palazzo Guadagni – Florence – Restoration of a nineteenth-century painting at Biblioteca Thovar, the ground floor of Palazzo Guadagni. (Piazza Santo Spirito, Florence)(Soprintendenza per i beni culturali di Firenze)2015 Instructor:Ex Scuderie- Istituto Statale d’Arte di Firenze – Florence – Restoration of an early eighteenth-century ceiling. (Soprintendenza per i beni culturali di Firenze)2014 Director of Restoration:Palazzo Guadagni – Florence – Restoration of a nineteenth-century painting, two rooms on the first floor. (Piazza Santo Spirito, Florence)(Soprintendenza per i beni culturali di Firenze)2013 Director of Restoration: Palazzo Giugni – Florence – Restoration of a mural dating from the first half of the sixteenth century on the second floor. (Soprintendenza per i beni culturali di Firenze)2012 Instructor: San Peter’s Church in Careggi – Florence- Restoration of an early eighteenth-century mural (Soprintendenza per i beni culturali di Firenze) 2011 Instructor: Rodolfo del Ghirlandaio’s Annunciation in the Church of San Miniato al Montanino-Incisa Val d’Arno – Florence- Consolidation and restoration of an early fifteenth-century mural by Rodolfo del Ghirlandaio. (Soprintendenza per i beni culturali di Firenze)2011 Instructor: Church of San Miniato al Montanino-Incisa Val d’Arno – Florence- Consolidation and restoration of a mural dating from the first half of the XXI century (Soprintendenza per i beni culturali di Firenze)2010 Instructor: Palazzo Giugni – Florence ¬- Restoration of a mural dating from the first half of the sixteenth century (Soprintendenza per i beni culturali di Firenze) 2009 : Director of the restoration of the nineteenth-century skylight and ceiling of Palazzo Guadagni (Piazza Santo Spirito, Florence)2008 Instructor: Palazzo Pitti – Medici Chapel – Florence Consolidation and restoration of a mural by Luigi Ademollo dating from the first half of the XVIII century in collaboration with restorer Lidia Cinelli, Florence (Soprintendenza per i beni culturali di Firenze)2008 Director of Restoration: Two ceilings painted in XXth century, consolidation and retouching2006-2007-(2008) Instructor: Monastery Paradiso degli Alberti, Florence Consolidation and restoration of a series of frescoes in the former monastery of Santa Brigida dating from the first half of the fourteenth century in collaboration with the restoration firm directed by Fabrizio Jacopini, Castelfiorentino, Florence2006 Director of restoration site: Eighteenth-century palace owned by the Merlo family. Removal of a ‘falso fresco’decoration from a 43-square-yard ceiling May-June 2006 Restorer: Main chapel of the Sanctuary of “SS. Cosma e Damiano”, Riace (Reggio Calabria) Complete restoration of “a secco” paintings by Zimatore Grillo (dated 1914)2005 Director of restoration site: Istituto Geografico Militare, Florence Cleaning, consolidation, and retouching of a “fresco secco” painting from the seventeenth century depicting the Natività.May-June 2005 Director of restoration site: Palazzo dei Duchi d’Acquaviva – ATRI – Pescara (Abruzzo) Complete restoration including the reconstruction of 80 % of the “arriccio” of a sixteenth-century fresco depicting the Natività2004 Director of restoration site: Palazzo Galletti, via di Sant’Egidio, Florence Cleaning, consolidation, and retouching of a nineteenth-century “fresco secco” landscape painting Restorer: Church Sacro Cuore in Ponte a Egola, Florence Discovery and restoration of the vault in the apse and transept decorated with the “fresco secco” technique2003 Restorer: Eleventh-century parish church of San Leonardo in Cerreto Guidi, Florence Discovery and complete restoration of an eighteenth-century decoration Restorer, Director of operations: Church of Saints Jacob and Lucy called San Domenico Conservation and retouching of faux marble decoration Restorer: Parish of San Miniato Basso (Pisa) Discovery and complete restoration of eighteenth-century frescoes and altars in faux marble2002 – Restorer: Cathedral of San Miniato Complete restoration of faux marble and stucco in three chapels, the aisle, the portico, and the transept dating from the eighteenth century2001 Restorer: Church of San Martino , Palaia (Pisa) Restoration of a neoclassico altar in stucco and faux marble Restorer: Collegiata di Santa Maria a Monte (Pisa) Complete restoration of three frescoes by Luigi Ademolli (XVIII century) in the vault of the apse

SELECTED WORKS OF ART

• Marzo 2013 Decorations of the rooms on the first floor of the Renaissance Palazzo Giugni. Firenze
• November 2012 Decorations of the rooms on the third floor of the Renaissance Palazzo Giugni. Firenze
• April 2009 Decoration of the ceiling on the third floor of the Renaissance Palazzo Giugni. Firenze
• December 2008 Decoration of the Hall ceiling in a Grand Hotel Miravalle- San Miniato Pisa
• July 2007 creation of large fresco in a village on Lake Como, Italy • July 2007: creation of two works with the “Buon fresco” technique in Taceno, near Lake Como, Italy
• February 2007: creation of a fresco in the Florence Art Academy with my students
• February 2006, Cow Parade, Italy. Decoration of one 51 Italian cows displayed in the piazzas of Italy. Sold at auction to benefit the Meyer Hospital in Florence
• August, September 2005, Parish of Saint Michael di Staffoli (Pisa). Painting in stereochrome on the bell tower with trompe l’oeil
• October 2004, Parish of Saint Michael di Staffoli (Pisa). Painting in stereochrome on the façade of the church depicting a saint and phrases in Latin. Creation from scratch of faux architecture on all the large windows in the nave

AWARDS AND HONORS

• Luglio 2009 Selection and Prize-giving by “Muri d’Autore” and Comune di Valloria – Imperia for a painting door in the city
• October 2008 Recognition from the committee created by Vittorio Sgarbi. Prize-giving by “Muri d’Autore” and Comune di Gavazzana – Alessandria Mantova, for a mural painting in the city
• September 2008 Prize-giving of the contest “GUIDIZZOLO IN ARTE” organized by the Associazione Franco Bombana for a mural painting.
• September 2007 Selection of the winner fresco for the “Tazio Nuvolari Museum” Mantova
• September 2007: winner of the contest “GUIDIZZOLO IN ARTE” organized by the Associazione Franco Bombana for a “buon fresco” work on “the colors of speed”.
• September 2007: honourable mention from the committee headed by Vittorio Sgarbi for the exhibition “Marentino in Rebus,” organized by the Comune of Marentino (Torino) and the Association of Muri d’Autore, for the creation of a fresco on the façade of a house in the historic district
• February 2007: winner of the contest “PARLARTI” – “PARLASCO UN PAESE AFFRESCATO”; selected to paint a historic façade in the Comune of Parlasco in Valsassina using the “buon fresco” technique

Teaching Philosophy

I strongly believe in the importance of passing on artistic traditions. The artists of the past also studied for twenty years in the master’s workshop, before becoming masters themselves. Having been a student, I understand the importance of engaging my students in exciting ways. What I like to do in my classes is explain theory and allow the students absorb these lessons when performed in practice. How was a Roman painting made compared to a Greek or Oriental one? How did they paint on walls in the Middle Ages or the Renaissance or the Baroque period? How is a famous painting like the Venere by Botticelli or the Monnalisa by Leonardo made? All this information has been handed down to us thanks to the meticulous work of historians and artist-writers, and now, thanks to the technology of restoration, we are able to evaluate the results and appreciate them even more. The art world is beautiful and fascinating, and, like everything else, in order to achieve significant results, it requires commitment and dedication. I wish to teach my students this lesson.

Alessandro Masetti

M.A., University of Florence

Courses taught at the Institute

Social Media from an Italian Perspective
Professional Fashion Writing- Teaching Assistant

Teaching Philosophy

I invite students to develop a personal vision that goes far beyond the average thinking, especially considering blogging and social media as contemporary “tools” to do so. Nowadays, when posting pictures or writing on the net you are literally building your own professional reputation. I want to make sure my students learn how to use these tools in the best way for their future.

Most Rewarding Moments

When I read students’ assignments and there’s no correction needed because they expressed emotions and feelings as professional writers. Writing for the web is hard. Not only you need to catch the attention of your readers, but also their respect. And you can’t do it without your heart.

Favorite Quote

“Less is more”, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Pierluca Birindelli

Ph.D., University of Florence

Courses Taught at the Institute
Identity and Culture
Sociology of the Arts

Credentials
2003 Ph.D. in Sociology of Culture and Communication, University of Florence
1999 M.A., Media, Communication and Cultural Studies, University of Florence
1998 Laurea in Political Science, University of Florence

Honors & Relevant Projects
Pierluca Birindelli has published in Italian two books on the passage from youth to adulthood (Clicca su te stesso 2006; I giovani italiani tra famiglia e scuola 2010), a monograph about self-identity in late modernity (Sé: Concetti e pratiche 2008) and a number of articles addressing the themes of individual and collective identity. In English, he is the author of the book The Passage from Youth to Adulthood: Narrative and Cultural Thresholds (2014). Birindelli adopts a multidisciplinary approach (Cultural Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, Social Psychology, Communication Studies, Biographical and Narrative approach) and his research interests focus on the following themes: Individual and Collective Identities; European Socio-Cultural Identity; Education in Comparative Perspective; Cultural Globalization and Cosmopolitanism; Human Development in a Comparative Perspective (American, Northern European and Mediterranean Cultural Heritage).

2016 Researcher (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow), Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki.
Research Project: “The Cultural Experience of International Students: Narratives from North and South Europe”.
2013 Docent in Sociology, University of Helsinki
2010 Qualification as Researcher in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology, C.N.R. (National Research Council), Department of Cultural Identity, Institute for research on population and social policies, Rome.
1999-2003 Honor Fellow in: Sociology of Culture and Communication, Sociology of Deviance, Psychology of Communication and Culture (Faculty of Social and Political Science, University of Florence).
2001 Visiting Fellow, University of Texas at Austin, Department of Communication and Cultural Studies (Grant).
2001 Visiting Fellow, Permanent Seminary: “Les processus d’européanisation”, Institut d’Etudes Politiques, SciencePo, Paris (Grant).

Teaching Philosophy
My primary goal is to foster students’ critical thinking and imagination. I believe that the best way to obtain this objective lies in the capacity to construct a dialogic environment, where is crystal clear that learning together, the best we can, is our mission (nothing more, nothing less). Students shall never censor themselves, but always express their opinions upon any theme—and the discussion about sensitive themes shall never be avoided in a social science class—keeping in mind that reading, studying and being curious is the only way to construct thoughtful interpretations. Students should also try to take the challenge of exploring unknown cultural territory, not expecting to receive the “perfect map”— you go from A to B and then to C and so on —in advance. I believe knowledge has little to do with the practice of reassuring ourselves each step we take; I prefer to wander a bit in the forest of cultural symbols and only afterwards find our way out. In our learning itinerary, students shall never be scared of making mistakes; mistakes, in the narrow sense of it, do not exist. These are the meta-objective of the course, on my behalf the only thing I can guarantee 100% is intellectual honesty.

Most Rewarding Moments
When students express their opinions and at the same time are willing to question them.

Favorite Quote
The primary task of a useful teacher is to teach his students to recognize “inconvenient” facts—I mean facts that are inconvenient for their party opinions. And for every party opinion there are facts that are extremely inconvenient, for my own opinion no less than for others (Max Weber)

Carolina Megale

Ph.D., University of Florence

Courses Taught at the Institute

Archaeology and Art of Ancient Italy
Field Archaeology

Credentials

Ph.D. in “History and Civilization of the Ancient World”, University of Florence – 2009
1st Class Degree (MA) in Roman Archaeology, University of Florence -2005
1st Class Degree (MA) in Methodology of Archaeological Research, University of Pisa – 2001

Teaching Philosophy

I believe in hands-on experience, I love books but I prefer soil.
My approach to teaching is based fundamentally on interest and enjoyment. I find archaeology a fascinating subject both to learn and to teach and I think that bringing this enthusiasm into the classroom and passing it on to students is the best way to teach effectively. However, enthusiasm alone is not enough. Successful teaching combines this with appropriate knowledge about the subject and the use of a variety of educational techniques from old fashioned lecturing to the use of multimedia, films, web resources, but first of all visits to the museums, field trips and practical experience on archaeological site.
Not every student I teach will major in archaeology or anthropology, but all students can benefit from an archaeological perspective. The archaeological approach is a way of thinking and my aim is to teach to my students to get the right questions and have the method to find the right answers.

Most Rewarding Moments

When students after an hard day of digging are proud and happy of what they have done, because they understood the meaning of this work.

Teaching Philosophy

A historian (and her students!) cannot escape from dates and names, but I like to give my class something more than this. When I lecture, I try to focus on what students will remember of my class in ten years’ time… they will retain the basic concepts that have shaped also their society, life and culture. The true point of history is that of acting as a mirror for both our past and our future; I try both to help the students discovering that mirror they so often are unaware of, and to be helped by them to look at it from new perspectives.

Most Rewarding Moments

1) Having my ideas challenged by intelligent questions and/or objections
2) Leaning out of the Capitoinel terrace and watching my students enthusiastically recognizing the monuments and buildings of ancient Rome’s landscape

Favorite Quote

If you think you can or think you can’t, you are probably right (Henry Ford).

Clive Woollard

M.B.A., Aston University, UK

Courses taught at the Institute

Family Business in Italy
The Business of Sustainable Food Supply Chains in Italy (SFESP)

Development of a new BSc(hons) programme – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and the maintenance of all undergraduate programmes, in consultation with the University of Buckingham, external examiners and the QAA (The Quality Assurance Association for Higher Education in the UK).

Managing Director of Supplyco Ltd. A UK based business, supplying chemicals for European manufacturing industries.

Teaching Philosophy

As a lecturer in business I love the application of major business principles to the local context of Florence. This is where we see a rich fusion of historical and dynamic business types vying for a future. My lecture style is one of using cases to develop theoretical and practical business principles.

Most Rewarding Moments

Taking students to a leather tannery in Empoli, which is ran by one of my ex-students and following the supply chain through to Gucci, Prada and Ferragamo.

Monograph: Italian Academies and their Networks (1525-1700). From Local to Global, in Italian and Italian American Studies series, ed. by Stanislao Pugliese (New York and Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan, 2015), 304pp.

‘Treasures of Knowledge: Thesoro as a Handbook in the Sixteenth Century’, in Essays in Honour of Jane Everson, ed. by Stefano Jossa and Giuliana Pieri, in the Series Italian perspectives (Oxford: Legenda, 2017), pp. 123-34

‘Italian Academies and their “facebooks”’, in Italian Academies 1525-1700. The First Intellectual Networks of Early-Modern Europe. Proceedings of the International Conference (The British Library, September 2012), ed. Jane Everson, Denis Reidy, Lisa Sampson (Oxford: Legenda, May 2016), pp. 197-212

The first translations of Machiavelli’s ‘Prince’. From the sixteenth to the first half of the nineteenth Century, ed. Roberto De Pol (Amsterdam–New York: Rodopi, 2010); Alessandra Petrina, Machiavelli in the British Isles: two early modern translations of ‘The Prince’ (Farnham: Ashgate, 2009), in Modern Language Review, 107 (2012), pp. 634-36

I try to convey the idea that to speak about the past is a way of speaking about the present, and also that “history is a foreign country”. I also aim to make students aware how much their experience in Florence is part of an ancient tradition, to which they bring new life and emphasis by looking at the past with the eyes of their generation.

Most Rewarding Moment

I love when students participate in the class with questions and doubts, and when they realize the direct link between the past and the present.

Credentials

Ph.D. Dissertator in Italian Literature, University of Connecticut, Department of Modern and Classical Languages. Tentative Dissertation Title: Vincenzo Consolo and The Lough of the Unknown Mariner. A Sicilian between Dante and Heidegger.
M.A. at The School of Psychoanalytic Counseling, Florence, 2013.
Certificate for teaching Italian as a Foreign Language – DITALS, Università per Stranieri di Siena, October 2008.
Master of Arts, University of Connecticut, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, USA, 2005.
Laurea in Philosophy, University of Florence, Italy, 1997. Dissertation Title: Isaiah Berlin and the Pluralism of Values.

Teaching Philosophy

I personally believe that a good way to learn a second language, is to forget you are learning, because you are actually using the target language. Therefore, above all, I value interaction at personal level in all of my classes, and with all of my students. It is a tough task, and it is not always possible, but we (me and my students) try.

Most Rewarding Moments

When students create situations of spontaneous interaction in Italian with the teacher and among themselves.

Favorite Quote

Francesca Passeri

Ph.D., University of Florence

Course Taught at the Institute
Intercultural Communication

Credentials
2012- Ph.D. Telematica e Società dell’Informazione, University of Florence and National Research Council (C.N.R.)
2001- Master in Media and Communication, University of Florence
1998- School of Law, University of Florence

Teaching PhilosophyI love to create a stimulating and really communicative environment in class. I invite my students to perceive and understand human diversity by exploring cultural differences within a context of constantly changing global systems, and also to answer the following question: how do people understand one another when they do not share a common cultural experience? I also encourage my students to apply theoretical skills to reality and to their own experience as human beings living abroad, and to analyze Italian culture and Florence as study subjects as well. And I like sharing my enthusiasm with my students!

Most Rewarding MomentsWhen I clearly realize that students went far beyond the simplistic assimilation of theoretical notions and learned how to apply them to reality. When they have been able to build a symbolic “bridge” between theories and practices.

Favorite Quote“Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” (Forrest Gump)

Francesca Marini

Ph.D., University of Florence

Courses Taught at the Institute

The Art of Florence: Exploring Visual Culture
The Business of Art: the Economics and Management of Culture

– Consultant and contributor, ‘I Classici dell’Arte- Series’, by Rizzoli ed., Skira ed., Milano (from 2006 published in English as ‘Rizzoli Art Classics’ by Paperback ed., in French as ‘Classiques de l’art’ by Flammarion ed., Paris).

Teaching Philosophy

Applying knowledge while learning and developing critical thinking in the past and current world analysis are fundamental in my teaching method. For this reason, the understanding of Middle Ages and Renaissance Art in Florence and the economic and social mechanisms of the markets for visual arts are achieved in my classes through a mutual exchange with the students, a constant questioning on the causes and the effects of the making, the display and the consumption of art in different cultural, social and geographical contexts.

Most Rewarding Moments

Catching the glimpse of joy in students’ eyes observing closely a major artwork for the first time.

Favorite Quote

‘Intention is the forward-leaning look of things. It is not a reconstituted historical state of mind, then, but a relation between the object and its circumstances.’ – Micheal Baxandall

Master in Didactics of Italian as a Second Language and Promotion of Italian Culture, University “Ca’ Foscari”, Venice, Italy, 2006. Dissertation Title: Issues related to the motivational aspects of Language Learning and didactic projects for monolingual American classes.

Relevant Projects / Publications

Campi che fuggivano, (When the fields were running, English version of the prose translated by G. Dragnea Horvath and D.S. Butterworth), in “Voyages, Rethinking Nature and its Expression”, Winter 2015, published by Gonzaga University in Florence. (http:// www.voyagesjournal.net)

Teaching Philosophy

I want to share my enthusiasm for the Italian language and the Italian culture. I believe it is essential to involve students actively in their learning experience. I seek to foster students’ creativity and to encourage their active participation in class and real interaction with the Italian environment.

Most Rewarding Moments

When students create situations of spontaneous interaction in Italian with the teacher and among themselves.
When students show a desire to learn and know more about Italian culture and to discover the “world outside “of the classroom.

Favorite Quote

“I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.” (Chinese saying).

Relevant Publications

Currently one of several authors writing an Italian language book for beginners and implementing the latest research for higher education specifically for American students. To be published by University Florentine Press in December 2014.
December 2013: Penza State University – International Conference on Language Teaching: Language in Higher Education – Abstract: “The main difficulties in teaching Italian language in a monolingual and monocultural group.”
June 2005: “IdeaDue” – textbook of Italian language for foreign students: Communication & Grammar – Intermediate and Advanced – Progetto Lingua – Firenze
July 2004: “IdeaUno” – textbook of Italian language for foreign students: Communication & Grammar- Elementary – Progetto Lingua – Firenze
May 2000 and June 2001: Article – “History of Linguistic” – FOCUS Magazine

Academy and Conferences

January 2013: Vice-director of A.I.L.A. (Accademia Italiana di Linguistica Applicata) – www.studiareitaliano.it
November 2011: Active participation at the LEND Conference for the British Institute of Florence: “Anglofoni che studiano la lingua italiana: errori e stereotipi”.
October 2011: Active participation to the Conference “Linguaggio moderno giovanile”– Richmond International American University

Teaching Philosophy

I believe in teaching my language and my culture with enthusiasm. In the majority of evaluations that I have read, many students wrote that I am patient and positive with them. This sentiment is, for me, a big success because I have communicated myself, my culture, my country effectively. Thanks to this, students can bring at home a piece of Italy. My philosophy of education has the following goals: to give all students the instruments for good and efficient communication in Italian and to allow for the possibility of better understanding Italy and Italians. I believe that language is the secret code for the culture.

Most Rewarding Moments

When students come to me and ask me something in Italian that is not in relation with the class but is a piece of information that they want to know, I see in their eyes the surprised pleasure at being able to communicate in Italian. This is very rewarding for me.

Teaching Philosophy

In teaching, I feel it is important to provide a solid background to basic photographic techniques through practice before moving on to any digital techniques. The students must feel that they have mastered the control of their imagery. My teaching methods stress the importance of conceptual thinking before digital application assistance. I continue with my professional work not only to update skills, but also to instill a passion for photography and to feed inspiration of this creative practice to my students.

Most Rewarding Moments

Final photography student shows. To see students enjoying the work they have produced and sharing it with enthusiasm and pride to colleagues and visitors.

Favorite Quote

“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” (Ansel Adams)

Daniela Sinicropi

Courses taught at the Institute

Credentials

Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, from the University of Florence in collaboration with the University of Braunschweig, Germany

Licensed Architect. University of Florence, 2008 qualifying examination. N° 7446 of the Professional Association of Architects, Planners, Landscapers and Conservers of the Province of Florence, Italy, Section A – 2009

Degree in Architecture from the University of Florence with first class honours (110/110, magna cum laude) – 2008

Most Rewarding Moments

One of the most rewarding moments is when, in the course of the semester, we see how much of what we teach comes out in their design philosophy. The site visits and the field trips are also moments of exposure that they themselves describe as unforgettable!

Favorite Quote

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Albert Einstein

Peter Fischer

Ph.D., European University Institute

Courses taught at the Institute

History and Politics of Modern Italy
The History & Culture of Food: A Comparative Analysis
The History of Agriculture, Food and Sustainability in Italy

Credentials

Teaching Philosophy

Learning is a life-long endeavor. My goal is to prepare students for this by providing them with a base of knowledge and sophistication upon which they can build, and to encourage in them attitudes and techniques for continued learning. As A. Toffler put it so well, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

Most Rewarding Moments

I enjoy teaching ISI students that bring a spirit of curiosity, motivation, and enthusiasm.

Favorite Quote

“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”– Albert Einstein

Carlo Achilli

Laurea, University of Rome

Laurea, University of Rome
Master, University of Rome
Licensed Architect

Courses Taught at the Institute

Advanced Topical Design Studio: Urban

Architecture in Context: City, Spaces and Urban Design

Credentials

Safety Coordinator License in Project Design and Management, University of Rome, ‘La Sapienza’, School of Architecture and Urban Planning – 2006 Master II |V| in “Pianificazione, Conservazione e Gestione dei Centri Storici e dei Sistemi Paesistico-Ambientali” at ‘La Sapienza’ University of Rome – 2002 One year fellowship for Master of Science in Architecture Studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA – 1999 Licensed Architect, n° 287 of the Professional Association of Architects, Planners, Landscapers and Conservers of the Province of Terni – 1998 Degree in Architecture from the University of Rome, ‘La Sapienza’, School of Architecture and Urban Planning (110/110) – 1996

Relevant Projects / Publications

– 1998-2017 Carlo Achilli has planned and directed, in almost twenty years of private practice, around fifty projects: four master plans, five landscape design, ten directional and commercial use (hotels, restaurants and shops), five mixed used buildings, including a cultural center and an historical archive and about twenty five residential use (villas, holiday houses, flats), prevalently in Umbria and Tuscany, but also in Sicily, Lazio and Rome:

– 2017 LUXURY APARTMENTS, XVth-XIXth Centuries, architectural survey, project design, works management and safety plan for the renovation of two historical buildings located in Piazza del Carmine and via della Fonderia, San Frediano district in Florence, built on top of pre-existing medieval and renaissance structures. The concept design was based on restoration, rehabilitation and reuse of the buildings for contemporary living. – 2016 FRATELLI PICCINI FOUNDATION AT PONTE VECCHIO, XVth-XVIIth Centuries, Florence: renovation of an historical jewellery. Architectural project design for an historical archive, a small museum and handcraft laboratory. Renovation of the panoramic terrace on the Arno River. Metric estimates of total cost and general lay out, renderings and works management were integral part of the work. (Published in AND mag.ne n°30, 2016) – 2016 VILLA BALDINI IN CHIANTI, XXth Century, San Polo in Chianti (FI): landscaping and architectural project design, interior design, works management and safety plan. The project was focused on a sustainable design for the two stories building, while respecting the traditional Tuscan farmhouse typology. Particular attention was given to sustainable construction techniques and materials. – 2014 VILLA FIUMI IN MONTEPORZANO, XIXth Century, Orvieto: landscaping project design and interior design. Reuse and renovation of a pre-existing farmhouse into a new country villa with swimming pool. Particular attention was given to the preservation of traditional structures, without neglecting sustainable materials. (Published in AND mag.ne n°26, 2014) – 2014 EX LIMONAIA MEDICEA VILLA, XVIIth Century, Florence: landscaping and conservation project design, interior design, works management and safety plan for a historical Medici greenhouse. The work was based on the renovation of a former lemon tree greenhouse and its transformation in a luxury villa for contemporary living. It included architectural survey and garden project design. (Published in AND mag.ne n°26, 2014) – 2013 PALAZZO CARAVAJAL SIMONCELLI, XVIth Century, Orvieto: project design was based on the conservation project and the works management for a new Cultural Center, including a grand Ballroom. The interior design involved new internal distribution and additional open space for the new facilities such as hall, reception, restaurant, dining hall and bathrooms. Architectural survey and renderings were included. (Published in AND mag.ne n°26, 2014) – 2012 HOTEL LA BADIA, XIIth-IVth Centuries, Orvieto: preservation project for the former convent ‘La Badia’, converted in a four star hotel. In addition, architectural survey, interior design and works management were included. The project design provided new guest rooms and penthouse suites and a new lighting project design for the monumental buildings (church, tower and ancient walls) surrounding the hotel. – 2007 PALAZZO BARBERINO-TAFANI, XV Century, Florence: project design, works management and safety plan for a residential building. Renovation of two pre-existing renaissance Altanas and their transformation in two luxurious lofts. Some structures were demolished in order to discover the original volumes and proportions. (Published in AND mag.ne n°26, 2014) – 2007 EX COURTHOUSE, XXth Century, Viterbo: architectural survey and project design for the renovation of former Courthouse into a mixed-use building. The concrete building was built in the 80’s in the suburban area: several retail units at the street levels, offices upstairs for two floors and residential at the top floor. – 2007 INSURENCE HEADQUARTER LE GENERALI AT PALAZZO RANIERI, XIVth-XVIIth Centuries, Orvieto: project design and works management for the renovation of the renaissance building with annexed medieval tower. At the street level the insurance headquarter for Le Generali was designed. Other commercial spaces were placed at the mezzanine and noble floor, residential loft spaces at the top. The project involved also the “Piano Nobile” for temporary rent. – 2003 ASSOCIATE LAWYERS OFFICE AT PALAZZO SALOTTI, XIVth Century, Orvieto: project design for an office building. In particular: two associate legal, one engineering and architectural and two consulting offices. The project preserved the original Medieval courtyard typology. Sustainable construction techniques and materials were used for designing contemporary open spaces for directional functions. – 2002, PALAZZO GHIGI, XIVth-XVIIth Centuries, Viterbo: project design for an historic Palazzo transformed in a mixed-use building. Consolidation and preservation works were prescribed for the pre-existing medieval structure and demolition works for the unoriginal volumes. The interior design focused on residential typology. – 1998 HOTEL PALAZZO PICCOLOMINI XVth-XVIth Centuries, Orvieto: project design for the pre-existing medieval and renaissance building, Palazzo Piccolomini, converted into a four star hotel. The interior design was focused on reception, superior double and master bedrooms, suites, cafeteria and reading room, breakfast hall and restaurant. The renovation has preserved its artistic and historical riches, and yet has not neglected any comfort suited for a luxury hotel. (Published in Architectural Digest mag.ne n°313, June 2007)

Teaching Philosophy

I believe in teaching and I teach who I am as an Architect. In other words, I don’t believe teaching can be reduced to technique. Instead, I believe good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher. My philosophy of education has the following goals: to share the knowledge and experience I have acquired during my ten years as an free lance architect, architectural designer, restoration and preservation project manager: to integrate theory and practice: to enlarge knowledge of historical typology and traditional building technologies: to facilitate an interdisciplinary process of learning that leads students to the production of works linked with Italian urban context and historical Palazzi. At the end of the course students will be able to establish the historical value of the buildings, examining their present condition and identify each element and all characteristics by means of their knowledge both of the history of Italian architecture and of the basic theory and practice of historic preservation. This knowledge is the base of the critical process that will permit the re-elaborating and re-interpreting of all that is already known of the building, in order to distinguish the different phases of its transformation into what we are examining today.

Most Rewarding Moments

My favorite rewarding and transformative teaching moment is described by students at the end of each semester reading their feedbacks and enthusiastic quotes. So, I believe that teaching is a marathon, not a sprint.

Teaching Philosophy

We learn… 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we both see and hear, 70% of what we discussed with others, 80% of what we experience personally, 95% of what we TEACH someone else– William Glasser

Some assert that you can learn architecture but you can’t teach architecture. It may sound as a justification for not-responsible teachers, but there is something true on that. Architecture is a discipline made of acts of faith, rituals, illuminations more than reassuring univocal formulas. Every moment is a good one, leave doors opened: ideas come also when you are not looking for them. Design for an architect is a vital necessity, extremely involving. If you don’t feel this kind of commitment, you’d better ask yourself if this is the right direction for you: the world is full of bad architects, it’s better not to enlarge that family.

Favorite Teaching Moments

“You are still one of just a couple teachers who really had a strong influence on my thinking.” E.C. (fall ’04);
“I truly can say I was pushed architecturally in ways I have not experienced before from a class- and I loved it. It was an incredible class and it was really great to get to see Italy through your eyes”. A.K. (spring ’06);
“I wanted to thank you for being such a passionate teacher. I really realized when I got home how much i enjoyed your words. You were a good “kick in the ass” to get me through the thesis, so thank you”. D.F. (spring ’06);
“It was definitely a great semester and you opened my eyes to a lot of new possibilities in arch”. G.Z. (spring ’07);
“I feel i have learned so much from you about the life of an architect and especially about presenting and communicating ideas” R.H. (spring ’07).

Favorite Quote

“Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.” – Frank Zappa

Rita Comanducci

Ph.D., Università di Verona

Courses taught at the Institute

Architecture: Roman to Early Christian
The Art of Florence: Exploring Visual Culture

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that love and enthusiasm are the two most important ingredients for any class you teach: seeing students responding with joy, parteciaption and interest tells me that what we have learned together will remain for long in our memory and in our spirit.

Most Rewarding Moments

Seeing students leaving the class with a smile in their eyes, and reading the joyful emails they send me once the semester is over and they are back home.

Michael Kwakkelstein

Ph.D., University of Leiden, Netherlands

Courses Taught at the Institute

Art History Special Topics: Leonardo da Vinci
Art History Special Topics: Michelangelo
Symbolism and Meaning in Renaissance Art (1300-1600)
History of Italian Art, II: Michelangelo to Bernini
Ancient Art: Image and Text (honors)
The Art of Florence in Context: Masters and Monuments

Relevant Projects

Guest Curator Teyelers Museum (Haarlem, The Netherlands) of the exhibition Leonardo da Vinci as a Physiognomist. Exhibition of drawings, engravings and paintings (October 2018-January 2019).
Chief Curator Teylers Museum (Haarlem, 2005): Michelangelo drawings exhibition (in collaboration with the British Museum, London and the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford).
Rotterdam, The Kunsthal (1996): adviser exhibition Leonardo da Vinci: artist, scientist, inventor.
Professor of Art History, University of Amsterdam (2000-2002).
Haarlem, The Teylers Museum (2005): Curator of comprehensive Michelangelo Drawings Exhibition (in collaboration with the British Museum, London, and the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford).
Currently director of the Dutch University Institute for Art History in Florence and professor of Art History at Utrecht University, the Netherlands

Teaching Philosophy

I seek to ‘open’ the students’ eyes to the fascinating world of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, to inspire enthusiasm for the multifarious aspects of Renaissance art and to further the development of critical thinking and judgment. The most memorable moments are realized when in class students get into lively debates and raise fresh, new questions concerning the matters under discussion.

Advice for Students

Overall, students should bring a desire to learn about Italy and Italian culture. They should appreciate that studying in Florence provides them with a unique opportunity to learn in and out of the classroom and satisfy that desire while traveling and meeting like-minded fellow students.

Federica di Sarcina

Ph.D., University of Pavia

Course Taught at the Institute
The European Union

Credentials
University of Pavia, History of European Integration, Ph.D.

The Historical Studies on EEC/EU Gender Equality Policy. A Balance Sheet and Some Perspective, in A. Landuyt (edited by), European Integration Process between History and New Challenges, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2014, pp. 389-408

2018 – ongoing- Horizon 2020, R-I PEERS (Pilot experiences for improving gender equality in research organisations), coordinated by the University of Salerno in collaboration with Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute (Cyprus), National Research Council – CNR (Italy), Association of the Industrialists of the Province of Salerno (Italy); Centro de Investigation Cooperativa en Nanociencias – CIC NANOGUNE (Spain), MIGAL Galilee Research Institute LTD (Israel), Digital Leadership Institute (Belgium), ZRC SAZU Institute of Culture and Memory Studies (Slovenia), National Agency for Scientific Research Promotion – ANPR (Tunisia), Hellenic Republic Ministry of Interior – GSGE (Greece) (member of the University of Salerno staff)

2011-2014- LLP – Jean Monnet Action, European Module “The EU and Gender Equality at University of Siena (holder of the Module)

2008-2013- LLP – Jean Monnet Action, Jean Monnet Chair in History of European Integration, University of Siena (member of the Chair’s staff)

2008- Projects of Relevant National Interest (PRIN) “Self-determination and sovereignty. The historical itinerary of Eastern Europe among past legacies, socialist federations, state dissolutions and the EU external role”, coordinated by University of Bologna in collaboration with the Universities of Siena, Roma “La Sapienza” e Pescara (member of the local unity of Siena “The neighborhood challenge. The EU external actions towards Eastern Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus”

June 2016, Speaker at the British Graduate Shakespeare Conference at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon (U.K.)

June 2016, Speaker at the International conference at the University of Padua (Italy), “ ‘Fair Padua, nursery of arts’ : Shakespeare and Padova 2016.’

April 2016, Speaker at the International conference at the University of Portsmouth (U.K.), ‘Shakespearian Communities.’

Summer 2011, Speaker at the World Conference on Shakespeare in Prague (the International Shakespeare Association)

Summer 2010, Speaker at the International conference at the University of Hobart (Tasmania) Shakespeare’s spaces

Summer 2008, Speaker at the International conference at the University of Reading (U.K.) Land and landscaping

Summer 2016, Shakespeare in Oxford Guest lecturer

Summer 2015, Shakespeare in Stratford Guest lecturer

Summer 2013, Shakespeare in Florence Guest lecturer

Teaching Philosophy

Teaching students means setting an example. I like to see myself as a facilitator, a tool they can use in order to discover the language and the culture behind it. I also believe that learning a language means to explore its world, in any possible way, both in the classroom and outside it.

Most Rewarding Moment
When students experience the language outside of the classroom and suddenly discover that they can establish some sort of communication with native speakers.

Teaching Philosophy

Learning is starting a journey in an unknown land. My attempt is to make my students’ journey a stimulating one. My first goal is guiding them to taste the pleasure of discovery. I share with them my enthusiasm and passion for the subject I teach, and I encourage them to become the “main actors” of the learning process. In the texts we read, in the shows we attend, even in grammar rules… lies a mysterious “treasure” that we can bring to light together, collecting evidence and consulting witnesses…

Most Rewarding Moments

When students tell me about the “discoveries” they have autonomously done thanks to input received in class.

Favorite Quotes

“For on that is the mind fed wherein it is gladdened” St. Augustine.
“Instruction does much, but encouragement everything” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Mark Bernheim

Ph.D., Rutgers University

Courses taught at the Institute

Professional Fashion Writing

Credentials

Degrees in Comparative Literature and the Arts
Ph.D. from Rutgers University, New Jersey.
Fulbright appointments to France, Austria, and most recently to Slovenia (Spring 2017).
He retired as Emeritus Professor in 2015 from Miami U in Ohio (USA), having led study abroad programs to Florence for three decades to 2013. He was an invited guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland for Holocaust-related research in 2016.

Relevant Projects

He has taught at many American universities since the 1970’s, in Europe at U of Vienna, and in Italy as invited professor at the Business faculty in Florence and at the French/Italian University in Aosta.
Since 2015- He has taught Fashion Communications at ISI Florence, leading student groups to the Pitti Uomo menswear trade shows at the Fortezza da Basso.
His specialties include European and American fiction of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, architecture and culture of Austria, France, Italy, and the U.S. in the modernist period, Holocaust biography of the Warsaw Ghetto in WW II, classics of Children’s Literature, and Fashion Commentary and Communications based in Italy.
He is extensively published as a popular journalist and cultural commentator. As an Emeritus professor, he edits and compiles Study Guides of American and European literature for use in secondary schools and universities. He was nominated for seven Fulbright individual and group appointments in Europe from 1971 to 2017.

Teaching Philosophy

His classes feature extensive student participation and commitment to the free exchange of ideas.

Courses Taught at the Institute

Credentials

Master of History of Architecture, University of Roma 3, Rome
Laurea in Architettura – Professional Degree in Architecture, Tutela e Recupero del Patrimonio Storico Architettonico, University of Florence

Teaching Philosophy

Exposing students to multiple lenses through which one can look at, talk about, and experience architecture, I aim to stimulate their desire to develop their own viewing angle on the topic, according to their own background and interests. I hope that, with their comprehensive Florentine experience, they acquire an approach that, back home, they can apply to multiple subjects.

Most Rewarding Moments

When I see students elaborate on the issues we address in class and on site, and use their knowledge and opinion to discuss our topic with their peers.

Favorite Quote

“Architecture can profoundly affect a place, sometimes transform it. Architecture and any art can transform a person” FRANK O’GEHRY